Town Hall Meeting “The Truth of the Matter” Presented by Oakbridge/Grasslands Residents Lakeland, FL

Lakeland

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June 1, 2017

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Town Hall Meeting “The Truth of the Matter”

Presented by Oakbridge/Grasslands Residents

Lakeland, FL

Date: June 6, 2017

Time: 6:30-8:30 PM

Contacts: Tom Graham (863) 670-5774

Keith Hensel (863) 255-9276

The residents of Oakbridge/Grasslands are sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting to discuss the radiation lawsuit that was recently filed against the Drummond Company. It will be held at the Magnolia Building located at 202 East Orange St. Lakeland FL 33801 on June 6, 2017 beginning at 6:30 PM and concluding at 8:30 PM.

The purpose of the Town Hall, “The Truth of the Matter” is to correct these misrepresentations and misconceptions by highlighting the work of the FL Department of Health—Radiation Control Bureau and seeing their test results from over 40,000 radiation readings in Oakbridge/Grasslands and Lakeland areas. Dr. Brian Birky, Ph.D Executive Director of Florida Industrial and Phosphate Research (FIPR) will share his knowledge about radiation, and whether he sees a problem within these Lakeland communities. FIPR was created in 1978 by the FL legislature to study phosphate issues that impact Florida’s citizens, environment and economy and to be a phosphate information resource. FIPR is now part of the Florida Polytechnic University.

The following messages will be communicated during the meeting:

Oakbridge/Grasslands has normal background radiation that compares favorably with the rest of the state and better than many other parts of the country.

To date, no one has provided any proof that Oakbridge/Grasslands residents are experiencing abnormally high or unsafe levels of gamma A. The suit, as filed with the court and highlighted in a recently held Town Hall Meeting, included no current radiation

The lawsuit chose to ignore the significant mitigation efforts and activities that Drummond, in conjunction with the State of Florida, has undertaken to assure the building of a safe and beautiful community for residential and commercial
1. Numerous public documents illustrate the attention and efforts taken to achieve successful reclamation. (ADA/DRI 1985)

The lawsuit does not identify any person/s living in these areas that have been verifiably harmed by high dosages of radiation they claim is 400% higher than normal.

The FL Department of Health – Radiation Control Bureau (FLDOH) tested the Oakbridge/Grasslands communities and found only normal background A. FLDOH has conducted over 40,000 readings to confirm that roads and sampled residences are safe. B The Polk County Department of Health/ Radiation Division will test the residence of any resident who wishes a property tested at no charge.

Additionally, professional firms have taken radiation readings at numerous commercial properties including Lakeland Regional Medical Center-Grasslands Campus, and Grasslands Country Club. All test results are normal.

A group of concerned residents of the Oakbridge and Grasslands communities are presenting information to better represent and safeguard the reputation of these fine communities. These neighborhoods are safe and have comparable and even lower levels of background radiation as any other community in Florida. The communities of Oakbridge and Grasslands with over 1400 homes, for decades, have provided its residents, employees and visitors a great place to live, work and recreate. No doubt, as this dark cloud passes, these communities will continue to enjoy these benefits for decades to come and are proud to call it home.

Lane Closures at Shepherd Road Rail Crossing to Slow Traffic Starting June 5th

Lakeland

Staff Reporter

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June 1, 2017

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Lane Closures at Shepherd Road Rail Crossing to Slow Traffic

Bartow, Fla. (May 31, 2017) — Shortly after peak morning traffic eases on Monday, June 5, CSX Transportation will close the two eastbound travel lanes on approach to the rail crossing located on Shepherd Road between Old Highway 37 and South Florida Avenue in south Lakeland. Shepherd Road traffic will be narrowed to one lane in each direction to allow crews to safely make repairs. Dependent on weather or unforeseen conditions, work may take until sometime Tuesday to complete. Traffic congestion and traveling delays are expected. Motorists should drive with caution and allow extra time for trips through this area. For more details, contact CSX at 1-800-232-0144.

HOSPITAL RECORDS DEPARTMENT EARNS 7th AWARD

Lake Wales

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2017

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HOSPITAL RECORDS DEPARTMENT EARNS 7^th AWARD

Lake Wales, FL – For the seventh time, the Health Information Management (medical records) department at Lake Wales Medical Center, has received the Jean Byers Award for Excellence in Cancer Registration. The award is bestowed by the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine’s Florida Cancer Data System, a statewide cancer registry.

The prestigious award is given based on the level of accordance with national standards for timeliness and completeness of data registry. The registry includes the type of cancer treated and diagnosed at the hospital.

Photo information: Members of the Health Information Management department at Lake Wales Medical Center have received the prestigious Jean Byers Award for Excellence a total of seven times.

Spook Hill Elementary Nurse Named Nurse Of The Year

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2017

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Spook Hill Elementary Nurse Named Nurse Of The Year

Polk County School Board Release

Rosita Rodriguez from Spook Hill Elementary has been named the 2017 School Nurse of the Year by the Florida School Health Association (FSHA). Ms. Rodriguez has worked at the school since 2006.
“She is an outstanding example of a caring and dedicated nurse who serves her students and community with passion, and is a wonderful advocate for her students,” said FSHA President Brenda Register. “She is an asset to her school and appreciated by her students and staff.”
The FSHA is comprised of nurses and health educators from all 67 counties in Florida, and recognizes the outstanding achievements of nurses and health educators based on nominations from their peers.

Congratulations, Ms. Rodriguez!

Haines City Police Seeking the Public’s Help in Missing Persons – Have You Seen Yenela Lorente

Haines City

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2017

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Haines City Police Seeking the Public’s Help in Missing Persons – Have You Seen Yenela Lorente

Update: PCSO deputies have found and positively identified the body of 28-year-old Yanela Lorente of 339 Cherokee Avenue in Haines City, who has been missing since Sunday, May 28, 2017.
The autopsy on Ms. Lorente was completed by the District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office today, June 2, 2017. Her cause of death is a self-inflicted gunshot wound and the manner of death is suicide.

If you have additional inquires about the missing persons portion of the investigation please contact the Haines City Police Department. Questions concerning the death investigation should be directed to PCSO.

“This was not the outcome we were hoping for. We are deeply saddened for Yanela’s family. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.” Grady Judd, Sheriff
*** Press Release ***
Haines City Police Seeking the Public’s Help in Missing Persons Investigation

The Haines City Police Department is searching for 28-year-old Yanela Lorente of 339 Cherokee Avenue in Haines City, who has been missing since Sunday, May 28, 2017, and is asking for the public’s help in this investigation.

Yanela was last seen leaving her home on Sunday afternoon, and was last heard from via text message with a family member that evening. She was reported missing to HCPD on Monday, May 29, 2017.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have been assisting HCPD in the search for Yanela since Monday.

Yanela was last seen wearing a red and white flannel long-sleeved shirt, a white T-shirt with black lettering, short dark colored shorts, and black shoes with white soles. She was driving her white 2013 Kia Optima, which was later found parked off of Old Polk City Road, east of CR 557 near the entrance to the FWC Hilochee Osprey Unit Wildlife Reserve, in Haines City.

Yanela is described as 5’04” tall, 125 lbs., with brown hair, brown eyes, a scar on her right thigh, surgical scars on her abdomen, and a naval ring (belly button piercing).

If you saw Yanela or her car anytime on Sunday, May 29, 2017, please contact HCPD Detective Colon at 863-242-2188.

If you know where Yanela is, please contact HCPD Detective Colon at 863-242-2188 or 863-421-3636 ext 2268, or Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477) – anonymity is guaranteed!

As a reminder, her car has been located, but we are asking the public if they saw her or her car during the time frame when she was last seen, or in the area where her car was found (see above for descriptions of both).

IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YANELA’S WHEREABOUTS AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS and be eligible for a CASH REWARD, please contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477). Anonymity is Guaranteed!

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Call HCPD Deputy Chief James Elensky, 863-421-3636.

Sebring Man Facing Record 525 Child Pornography Charges

Staff Reporter

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May 31, 2017

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Sebring man facing record 525 child pornography charges

SEBRING — A Sebring man has been charged with 525 counts of child pornography, the most charges ever filed against one suspect by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office.

Rayon Jefter Williams, 34, was initially arrested May 23 after the HCSO’s Special Victims Unit received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children through the Internet Crimes Against Children Data Systems. Those reports are generated by either internet service providers or concerned citizens and contain data such as date and time of uploads, ISP addresses, emails, names and other information.

The first report contained two tips, which after investigation by the SVU revealed images depicting child pornography being uploaded from a computer in Williams’ home on Shamrock St. in Sebring. Williams was arrested May 23 and charged with six counts of uploading child pornography to a Dropbox account and obstruction of justice after he interfered with investigators’ attempts to seize his computer as evidence. He posted bond later that day.

The next day, investigators obtained applicable search warrants and began searching through seized items of evidence. A search of a computer hard drive found hidden in a closet resulted in a secondary arrest on an additional 48 charges. But the search of Williams’ electronic devices had really just begun and further forensic examination of Williams’ phone and computer revealed hundreds more images, eventually tallying 525 charges — 93 of them filed on May 26 and 378 more on May 30. His bond currently sits at $1,202,500.

Sixty-five of those charges are second-degree felonies, while the rest are less serious third-degree felonies. The upgraded charges stem from images that depict a child being sexually battered as opposed to just being posed in a sexually explicit manner. Investigators say most of the images come from Russia, with a large portion from India as well as Asia and South America. Only a small portion of child pornography shared online is produced in the United States.

The previous high for child porn charges was 376 filed in 2015 against former Lorida Volunteer Fired Department chief Swen Swenson. He is due to be sentenced Friday, June 2, on those charges, which carry a potential sentence of 1,800 years in prison.

Note: All arrests do not lead to convictions. Everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty in court.

Behavorial Therapist Arrested for Lewd Molestation

Mulberry

Staff Reporter

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May 30, 2017

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Behavorial Therapist Arrested for Lewd Molestation

42-year-old Jessica Lazzara of Mulberry arresed for:

One count Lewd Molestation (F-L) (no bond)
One count Lewd and Lascivious Conduct (F-2) ($5,000 bond)
One count Child Abuse (F-3) ($5,000 bond)
One count Battery (M-1) ($5,000 bond)
One count Indecent Exposure (M-1) ($5,000)

Lazzara was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on Thursday, May 25, 2017, and remains in the jail on the above-listed bond amounts (note: no bond for the first charge listed).

Lazzara was employed as a behavorial therapist by Big Bear Behavioral Health in Maitland, and was terminated after her arrest. The charges stem from an incident during a therapy session with children. Per FSS 119, any information that would identify victims of child abuse or lewd molestation is confidential and exempt.

We will bring you more information as it becomes available.

FRF REMINDS CONSUMERS THAT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY IS THIS WEEKEND

Florida

Staff Reporter

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May 30, 2017

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FRF REMINDS CONSUMERS THAT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SALES TAX HOLIDAY IS THIS WEEKEND

With hurricane season almost upon us, now is the time for Floridians to stock up on important supplies to help keep them prepared and safe following a natural disaster

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the state’s premier trade association celebrating its 80^th year of supporting Florida’s retail industry, reminds consumers that this weekend, June 2-4, is the important Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. During this time period, shoppers will not have to pay sales tax on eligible items and supplies that can be used to prepare for and recover from natural disasters that hit the Sunshine State.

“Thanks to our legislative leaders and Governor Scott for including the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday in the budget, especially with Florida coming off of a year with hurricanes, tornadoes and floods,” said FRF President/CEO R. Scott Shalley. “I strongly encourage all residents and visitors to take advantage of these savings by visiting your local retailers to load up on those items that will help keep you and your family safe in the event of a natural disaster.”

The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2017. During the holiday, sales tax will not be collected on the following popular items (for a complete listing of these items and other information, please click here):

A portable self-powered light source selling for $20 or less.
A portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or Weatherband radio selling for $50 or less.
A tarpaulin or other flexible waterproof sheeting selling for $50 or less.
A self-contained first-aid kit selling for $30 or less.
A ground anchor system or tie-down kit selling for $50 or less.
A gas or diesel fuel tank selling for $25 or less.
A package of AA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6-volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, selling for $30 or less.
A nonelectric food storage cooler selling for $30 or less.
A portable generator used to provide light or communications or preserve food in the event of a power outage selling for $750 or less.
Reusable ice selling for $10 or less.

Additional information regarding the 2017 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of qualifying items, promotional materials and FAQs, has been posted to the Department of Revenue’s website.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA RETAIL FEDERATION
Founded in 1937, the Florida Retail Federation is the statewide trade association representing retailers — the businesses that sell directly to consumers. Florida retailers provide three out of every four jobs in the state, pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, and collect and remit more than $20 billion in sales taxes for Florida’s government each year. In fact, more than three out of four of Florida’s budget dollars come from retail-related activity. For more information, visit the FRF website, and follow FRF on Facebook and Twitter.

Polk Women Gather Saturday for Wonder Woman Celebration

Staff Reporter

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May 30, 2017

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Polk Women Gather Saturday for Wonder Woman Celebration

LAKELAND—Fifty women from all over Polk County will gather for Wonder Woman Day to be sociable and watch the movie at Lakeside Village. The festivities begin at 1 p.m. with a celebration lunch at Grillsmith’s Saturday and conclude with a 3:45 p.m. IMAX 3D showing of the film at the Cobb Theater.

At the Dutch lunch, the women will have a conversation about their own Wonder Woman experiences and network with one another. There will be door prizes, cake, fellowship and fun, said Merissa Green, PR expert and organizer of the event. One lucky fan will win a Funko Pop Wonder Woman in an invisible jet courtesy of the Arcade 80s in Winter Haven.

“During my 17-year career in Polk, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet some phenomenal women,” said Green, whose alter ego on social media is #violetfierce. I wanted to create an experience that would celebrate who they are and make seeing DC Comics’ first female superhero on the silver screen an adventure. It will truly be an empowering day.”

Green said the women’s greatest superpower is how they give of their time and talent to the Polk community. Green herself advocates for literacy, public education, civic engagement and other noteworthy causes. Green said this will also be a diverse gathering of women of race, age and various occupations too.

The women, who include executive directors of organizations, an OB-GYN doctor, lawyer, chef, bank manager and entrepreneurs, will also wear red or Wonder Women gear to pose for pictures. Green is documenting the experience for social media and DC Entertainment.

DC Entertainment heard about what Green was doing and is providing Amazonian goodies for the occasion. DC Entertainment is also sending Green comics to give away at the gathering and throughout Polk’s community. Green said she will be donating some of the comics to Girls’ Inc. of Lakeland and Winter Haven.

DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. DC Entertainment is one of the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.

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